Russia Defeats Cuba in Women’s Volleyball Grand Prix

Bangkok, (Prensa Latina) The Russia women’s team defeated Cuba 3-1 on Friday in competition group B on the first day of the 2011 Volleyball Grand Prix, in the city of Nakhopathom.

Russia, the defending champion, won 24-26, 25-18, 25-23, and 25-20 in 1:41 hours. The Russians took advantage of their height and played strong offense, headed by Ekaterina Gamova, 2.02 meters high, who totaled 24 points, including 20 attacks and four blocks.

The Cubans were led by Wilma Salas, with 15 points, Kenia Carcases (14), and Leanny Castaneda (10).

On Saturday, Cuba faces Thailand, which today defeated Peru 3-0 by 25-20, 25-13, and 25-16, while Russia will play Peru.

The Grand Prix, which includes venues in six out of 16 participating countries, will have a three-round qualification, and after that, the top eight teams will go to the finals, to be held Aug. 24-28 in Macao, China.

For the first round, Group A includes Poland (venue), Italy, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina; Group B: Cuba, Russia, Peru, and Thailand (venue); Group C: South Korea (venue), Brazil, Japan, and Germany; and group D: China (venue), the United States, Serbia, and Kazakhstan.